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Amador County wine region is situated near the Sierra Foothills, providing a unique and exciting experience for wine lovers. Since its establishment over 170 years ago, it has been a testament to the adventurous spirit of its gold-rush forefathers. Amador County holds a rich California history, from cultivating the first Zinfandel vineyards to growing the highest mountain vineyards in California

Amador Wine Country will exceed your expectations with its incredible mountain scenery and outstanding wines. Here you will find family-friendly boutique wineries nestled in the Gold Country region. 

Amador County’s quintessential style is set apart from the rest due to its soil types, the selection of grape varieties grown, and the specific production methods of winemakers in the area. These elements produce a style of wine found nowhere else in California, or the world for that matter.

We hope you will try the memorable wines that make Plymouth Amador County a favourite for wine drinkers worldwide. Browse our site to discover what Wineries in Plymouth Amador County have to offer and take full advantage of this lovely region. 

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Plymouth Amador County.

Where is the Amador Wine Country?

Amador wine country is set at the edge of Sierra Foothills, California, USA.

Unique Terroir of Amador Wine Region

The days may be scorching hot, but the evenings come with a cool breeze blowing down from the Sierra Nevada. This pleasant drop in temperatures allows the grapes to pause their ripening progress overnight, resulting in a balanced and acidic composition of wine. The invigorating breeze is essential for keeping vineyards clear of fungus and other diseases. It also helps provide the necessary ventilation to keep things in balance.

In Amador County, vineyards typically lie between 300–600m above sea level and receive plenty of sunshine. Additionally, most of these vineyards are man-made and quite small in size.

Amador County boasts some of the interesting soils. This special soil is a blend of iron-rich decomposed granite, along with a good portion of sandy clay loam – allowing it to retain moisture even though this region doesn't get much rain. AVAs' soils are packed with granite which makes the soil deeper and drier than usual. As a result, these vineyards face extreme stress which leads to the production of phenols, pigments and tannins in grape skins.

History of Plymouth, Amador Wine Country

Amador County is the only county in California named after a local, Jose Maria Amador. He was a well-off rancher before the gold rush and his ranch covered much of what is now known as Amador Valley. In 1848 and 1849, Amador and his workers were mining along one of the creeks found in this county. The creek came to be known as Amadore's Creek and shortly after, two camps were established - Amadore Crossing and South Amadore or Amador City.

Gold was discovered in this area, turning it into a hub of activity. The population, mainly young and single men, had a high demand for alcohol to quench their thirst. Zinfandel has been growing in Amador County since the start of its wineries and vineyards. This has led to many of those original vineyards still being used today by various wineries that have sprouted up in the area. For centuries, Zinfandel has been a major grape variety grown in this region. This varietal had a natural affinity to the plentiful sunshine and hardy terrain.

During the late 19th century, California's grapevines suffered from an epidemic of phylloxera. Fortunately, Amador County was an exception due to its isolation. This allowed Zinfandel, planted on native rootstock in the area, to become one of the few varieties that were resistant to this destructive pest. 

During the 1970s, Amador County experienced a revival of its wine-making industry despite the previous downfall due to Prohibition and the diminishing Gold Rush. This period sparked renewed interest in producing quality wines. Since 1970, vineyard acreage has grown and Zinfandel still remains the leader. This region has experienced a revival in recent years and now boasts over 45 wineries.

What is Amador AVA Wine?

Amador County is renowned for its high population of old Zinfandel vines, some even exceeding 125 years old. An impressive example of this is the Grandpère vineyard - established by the planting of Zinfandel before 1869. The vineyard holds the record for having the oldest Zinfandel vines in the world, which were first documented back in 1869 on a deed from the U.S. Geological Survey. Wine made from old vines offers a more intense flavour and aroma than other wines, making them perfect for producing high-quality Zinfandels.

Amador is renowned for its Zinfandel wines, but other grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Barbera, Primitivo, and Mourvedre grown in the region are also gaining increased recognition and appreciation from wine connoisseurs around the world. These Italian and French-origin grapes are grown in the region to create exquisite quality wines. Wines from Amador County, California are generally full-bodied and round in taste. Common notes include black cherries, plums, and blueberries with silky tannins and a hint of nutty flavours. Syrah wines are usually quite fruity and sweet. The wine region produces dessert wines from Muscat grapes, port-style wines from Portuguese varietals, and Zinfandel.

Amador AVA is also known for producing excellent white wines such as Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc.

Food to Pair with Plymouth, Amador Wine

Tagliatelle al salmone

Tagliatelle al salmone is an easy-to-make pasta dish prepared with egg-based fresh pasta, cream, and smoked salmon pieces. It's a great way to enjoy the flavours of the smoky fish combined with creamy sauce.

Tomato paste is usually added to the sauce for a pink hue, however, pea and white wine are often added to make the dish even more flavorful. It's an easy recipe that requires minimal effort and time. Tagliatelle al salmone is a delicious Italian dish and can be made with either regular white or spinach-enriched green tagliatelle. For the best taste, it's best to have the tagliatelle while they are still hot and fresh.

This pasta dish, boasting smoky salmon as its star ingredient, doesn't necessarily need to be further enhanced with grated parmesan cheese. The salmon itself is full of flavour and is more than enough to taste great. The delicate flavour of Viognier white wine makes it a great accompaniment to this dish.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a hard cheese that has been made from pasteurised cow's milk. Its colour ranges from white to pale yellow. Aged cheese has a different texture and flavour compared to its younger counterpart. Its texture becomes crumblier and it gets a more potent taste as time passes. Cheese is a beloved food item across the world, but its highest consumption rates are in the UK and US. It's often coloured with annatto seeds giving it an orange hue. Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It tastes especially good when melted and is an ideal component for dishes such as mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, or tuna melts. Cheddar is one of the cheeses that pairs well with Zinfandel wine.

Places to Visit in Plymouth, Amador Wine Country

Annual Amador County Fair

Every year, the Amador County Fair at the fairgrounds is a much-anticipated event that celebrates local culture and history. Held in late July, it is one of the few remaining traditional county fairs, situated in the iconic Gold Country of California where thousands flocked to upon the first discovery of gold. The arrival of these people set off a wave of immigration that continues to this present day. Nowadays, tourists come here to experience the new golden age of quality family fun, excellent wineries and a sense of nostalgia.

Chaw-Se Grinding Rock State Historic Park

A visit to Chaw-Se Grinding Rock State Historic Park is a truly awe-inspiring and breathtaking experience. Spread across 135 acres of lush green natural beauty, the park serves as a preserving shelter for an impressive marbleized limestone outcropping that holds an astonishing 1,185 bedrock mortar holes - the largest collection of such mortars on the entire continent of North America! Visiting this stunning place is an amazing way to explore its profound historical and captivating natural beauty! You can truly immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the area while also taking in the beautiful views. From majestic mountains to exquisite wildlife, it's a wonderful opportunity to have an unforgettable experience.

Underground Tour At Sutter Gold Mine

At the historic Sutter Gold Mine, guests can take an exhilarating underground tour that takes them a whopping 400 feet below the surface of the ground. In addition to exploring the depths of this gold-filled mine, visitors can also pan for gold themselves, shop at the gift shop for unique souvenirs and mining memorabilia, and uncover interesting stories about how gold was mined in past eras as well as how modern-day equipment and technology has replaced some of these time-honoured techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plymouth Amador Wine Country

What wine is Amador County known for?

Zinfandel is well-known for being a popular grape in the Amador region. Other grapes grown there include Sangiovese, Barbera, Syrah and Viognier, all of which are famous for their high-quality wines.

Is Amador County an AVA?

Amador County in Central California is particularly well-known for its wines. It used to be known for gold mining years ago, and today, it has become an official American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Map of Wineries in Plymouth Amador County

Discover the locations of wineries in Plymouth Amador County